
If you are visiting this page, the chances are you are here because you have been told you need a statement of environmental effects from Council and have never heard of this term before the moment you require one.
What is a statement of environmental effects?
The statement of environmental effects is required for every single development application no matter how small.
The Statement of environmental effects report is the most important report that accompanies a development application. It is the report that links all the other aspects about the development. Despite how important the report is to obtain approval, most people try to attempt the document themselves and in doing so only scratch the surface of what is required for the report. Below is a guide to what a statement of environmental effects is, and what must be included.
A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is required for all development applications and is required under the Schedule 1 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000.
The statement of environmental effects is the backbone of the development application and provides a justification for the development.
The statement of environmental effects needs to address the following:
It should be noted that the term “environment” does not only refer to the natural environment but to the natural, built, and social environment.
The statement of environmental effects MUST address all of these above and go into detail into each relevant clause and control within the documents. Where the development results in a non compliance to a LEP clause of a DCP control then it must be justified within the statement of environmental effects.
Please Note: Where the development results in a non compliance with a clause from the LEP then, in addition to the justification in the statement of environmental effects, a clause 4.6 Exception to development standards report must be submitted with the development application.
The State Environmental Planning Policies are Environmental Planning Instruments (EPIs) that are prepared by the NSW State Government and apply state wide.
The most common State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) are the following:
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
This Policy specifies a variety of developments that can be undertaken under exempt development (not requiring any development approval). The Policy also provides for types of development that can be done under a complying development certificate (CDC). A CDC can be approved through a private certifier and is replaces a development application. Any development seeking approval under a CDC must comply with the development standards otherwise a Development Application is required.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009
This Policy provides certain types of development to provide affordable housing. The most common types of affordable housing are secondary dwellings (granny flats) as well as boarding houses. The policy allows these developments to occur in residential areas even where the Council doesn’t permit the development under the zone.
Local Environmental Plans are prepared by local Council and are only relevant to that Council Local Government Area. All Local Environmental Plans follow the same structure after a review by the Department of Planning several years ago which created a Standard Format for all Local Environmental Plans knows as the Standard Instrument. Despite having the same format, each Local Environmental Plan or LEP is different.
One of the main purposes of the LEP is to specify the zoning for all land within the local government area. The zoning of a site is what specifies the type of development that can occur on the land with Council approval and what development is not permitted.
The other purpose of the LEP is to provide development standards for the zones. These generally relate to minimum lot size for subdivision, minimum lot size for rural developments to erect a dwelling, minimum lot sizes for certain types of development, maximum height limit for buildings and floor space ratio.
Clause 4.6 Exception to Development Standard
Under the LEP there is a clause that allows Council to consider a variation to any development standard non compliance. The most common non compliances relate to minimum lot size, building height and floor space ratio. While anyone can prepare a variation request under clause 4.6 it is highly recommended you get a town planner to prepare this document.
The Development Control Plan is a document that provides a guideline for development. Please note that Council’s can often have multiple development control plans and they are currently not required to adhere to a standard format which can make it difficult to navigate. It is noted that the controls in a DCP are open to variations and a strong justification is usually required to vary the control.
The DCP will often provide specific details relating to different types of development and different circumstances.
We have a lot of clients who come to us having attempted their own statement of environmental effects, or used another consultant and Council rejects the report. You can save a lot of time and stress by having the report done right to begin with. Our reports are expert quality and cover everything that is required. We have never had any of our Statement of Environmental Effects rejected by Council. We have, however, submitted our statement of environmental effects report for developments that were about to be refused and turned the table on the application gaining approval for our clients.
Need help with your Statement of Environmental Effects?
Have a chat with Josh and the team today!
We help our clients with their developments by providing professional statement of environmental effects for all Council development applications across NSW. We have an extensive experience with providing justifications for non compliance and in getting our clients developments approved. We provide the following services for all development types:
Advice
Our experienced town planners can provide you with expert advice to help you with your development: We offer the following services:
Reports
Get us to provide you with the report you need to get the job done! We provide the following reports:
Approvals
Let us help you obtain your approval! We provide the following approval services:
City of Parramatta Council
Penrith City Council
City of Ryde Council
Waverley Council
Woollahra Municipal Council
Hornsby Shire Council
Hunter’s Hill Council
Ku-ring-gai Council
Inner West Council
Willoughby City Council
Georges River Council
Hawkesbury City Council
Wollondilly Shire Council
Sutherland Shire Council
Fairfield City Council
The Hills Shire Council
Blacktown City Council
Northern Beaches Council
Randwick City Council
North Sydney Council
Liverpool City Council
City of Sydney Council
Camden Council
Manly
Mosman Municipal Council
Lane Cove Council
Strathfield Council
Canada Bay Council
Canterbury-Bankstown Council
Campbelltown City Council
Richmond Valley Council
Blue Mountains City Council
Burwood Council
Kiama Municipal Council
Wollongong City Council
Shoalhaven City Council
Shellharbour City Council
Newcastle City Council
Port Stephens Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Maitland City Council
Singleton Council
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Cessnock City Council
Dungog Shire Council
Armidale Regional Council
Bathurst Regional Council
Ballina Shire Council
Tamworth Regional Council
Kempsey Shire Council
MidCoast Council
Balranald Shire Council
Coffs Harbour City Council
Yass Valley Council
Junee Shire Council
Inverell Shire Council
Gunnedah Shire Council
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Cootamundra-Gundagai Council
Albury City Council
Kyogle Council
Lachlan Shire Council
Wagga Wagga City Council
Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Wentworth Shire Council
Oberon Council
Murray River Council
Griffith City Council
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Tweed Shire Council
Council Dubbo Regional Council
Lismore City Council
Broken Hill City Council
Byron Shire Council
Nambucca Shire Council
Bega Valley Shire Council
Lithgow City Council
Orange City Council
City of Parkes Shire Council
Bellingen Shire Council
Bland Shire Council
With expert experience in Local Government as well as the private sector, our town planners help get development approved. Below is a list of some of the development types we work with.
Our Blogs
A REF (review of environmental factors) is a document prepared by a consultant and submitted to the relevant consent authority.
We look at the the ins and outs of obtaining an approval for Sex Services (Brothel) within NSW and what you need to consider with a site and application.
The statement of environmental effects is a document that most people are confused by. We offer advice on how to write a good quality statement of environmental effects!
We now offer template statement of environmental effects for development applications so you can fill out your own report based on your development. Buy our template statement of environmental effects report.
Building Designers! Outsource your statement of environmental effects to Outlook Planning and Development and save time and money! Let us deal with the report so you can focus on the plans!
Beresfield is one of the biggest hot spots within the Newcastle area with investors and first home buyers flocking to the area to score great prices for great blocks of land. We look at what to look for for development within the area and how to maximise on your investments including dual occupancies and subdivisions.
Unapproved works is one of our most common jobs for Outlook Planning and Development. Read our article on what to do and how to deal with the scary letters from Council!
We explain what to consider when planning a rural subdivision and the various costs and reports associated.
Thornton and Chisholm has become a booming area for investors and first home buyers wanting to leave Sydney and head towards the Hunter Valley. The greater Maitland area is a booming area with plenty of land available for developers.
We explain what types of development you can do without any Council approval for everyone doing their home renovations. Read all about exempt development and what you can build this weekend after a trip to Bunnings to get your DIY tools.
Want to build a house or renovate but don’t want the hassle of a development application. You might be able to get approval through a private certifier. We take some time to explain what a complying development is and the steps you need to take to obtain a CDC through a private certifier.
Heritage Impact Statements are essential for any development involving a heritage item or heritage conservation area. We go into some of the basics of what makes up a heritage impact statement and who should be preparing them for your development.
Council Das can cause a lot of stress! Have you received a notification in the mail about a development application and want to write a submission. We outline some steps to help you prepare a development application objection letter.
The first concept designs for Western Sydney Airport Terminal have been unveiled.
New generation boarding houses have a lot of negativity at the moment with developers obtaining approvals for large scale boarding house developments. So what exactly is a new generation boarding house?
Northern Beaches Town Planners explain Dual occupancy facts on the Northern Beaches including Pittwater, Warringah and Manly. We provide some information on dual occupancy developments on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Where you should be looking and what you should be considering.
We explore the theory that as the amount of parking decreases, the appeal of driving gives way to more environmentally friendly transport modes such as walking, cycling, ride-hailing, car pooling and public transport.
Some evidence suggests reducing or capping parking pays off. In cities that have implemented these measures, driving has declined and public transport use has increased.
The redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium has been full of controversy with a massive public backlash to the development.
The development has been subject to a lot of public debate with questions as to why the NSW Government are demolishing a functioning stadium instead of upgrading the stadium at a fraction of the cost.
The University of Newcastle has recently submitted a seven building masterplan to the NSW Government for their new education precinct for Honeysuckle in Newcastle.
Outlook Planning and Development were engaged by a group of concerned residents in regards to a nearby development that sought consent to demolish an existing (abandoned) service station to a boutique hotel with 58 guest rooms, car lift and guest facilities.
A change of land zoning proposed by Lake Macquarie council would open the door for medium-density housing in a large part of Windale.
Granny flats, or secondary dwellings as they are known as in the Planning world, can allow home owners to keep parents or adult children close by while giving them their own space. They can also be a great way to generate additional rental income.
Newcastle and the Hunter Valley has become a hot spot for developers as well as residents of Sydney looking for a tree change and a work life balance. There is so much development potential and lots of great properties within the area for a fraction of the price of Sydney.
We look at the five things to consider before buying a block of land! Is it better to buy established or purchase a vacant lot and building?
This must be submitted with your development application to all Councils!
A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) is a written report required under the Environmental and Assessment Act 1979 that outlines the likely environmental impacts of a development application and must be submitted with your development application to council.
A Statement of Environmental Effects details:
The statement of environmental effects must address the relevant legislation such as the Act, Regulations, State Environmental Planning Policies, Local environmental plans and development control plans!
Council development planners are require by legislation to consider the general public for all development applications! This often means they notify the application to neighbouring residents to seek comment!
The community regularly turns to Outlook Planning and Development for their objection letters as we are one of the most prominent Consulting firms that regularly submit development objection letters for all NSW Councils.
Our Principal Planner obtained the nickname “Objection King” from his customers throughout his career and can assist you with your Council development objection letter!
Contact us to learn more about our process and how we can assist with your development objection letter!
A REF (review of environmental factors) is a document prepared by a consultant and submitted to the relevant consent authority.
We look at the the ins and outs of obtaining an approval for Sex Services (Brothel) within NSW and what you need to consider with a site and application.
The statement of environmental effects is a document that most people are confused by. We offer advice on how to write a good quality statement of environmental effects!
We now offer template statement of environmental effects for development applications so you can fill out your own report based on your development. Buy our template statement of environmental effects report.
Building Designers! Outsource your statement of environmental effects to Outlook Planning and Development and save time and money! Let us deal with the report so you can focus on the plans!
Beresfield is one of the biggest hot spots within the Newcastle area with investors and first home buyers flocking to the area to score great prices for great blocks of land. We look at what to look for for development within the area and how to maximise on your investments including dual occupancies and subdivisions.
Unapproved works is one of our most common jobs for Outlook Planning and Development. Read our article on what to do and how to deal with the scary letters from Council!
We explain what to consider when planning a rural subdivision and the various costs and reports associated.
Thornton and Chisholm has become a booming area for investors and first home buyers wanting to leave Sydney and head towards the Hunter Valley. The greater Maitland area is a booming area with plenty of land available for developers.
We explain what types of development you can do without any Council approval for everyone doing their home renovations. Read all about exempt development and what you can build this weekend after a trip to Bunnings to get your DIY tools.
Want to build a house or renovate but don’t want the hassle of a development application. You might be able to get approval through a private certifier. We take some time to explain what a complying development is and the steps you need to take to obtain a CDC through a private certifier.
Heritage Impact Statements are essential for any development involving a heritage item or heritage conservation area. We go into some of the basics of what makes up a heritage impact statement and who should be preparing them for your development.
Council Das can cause a lot of stress! Have you received a notification in the mail about a development application and want to write a submission. We outline some steps to help you prepare a development application objection letter.
The first concept designs for Western Sydney Airport Terminal have been unveiled.
New generation boarding houses have a lot of negativity at the moment with developers obtaining approvals for large scale boarding house developments. So what exactly is a new generation boarding house?
Northern Beaches Town Planners explain Dual occupancy facts on the Northern Beaches including Pittwater, Warringah and Manly. We provide some information on dual occupancy developments on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Where you should be looking and what you should be considering.
We explore the theory that as the amount of parking decreases, the appeal of driving gives way to more environmentally friendly transport modes such as walking, cycling, ride-hailing, car pooling and public transport.
Some evidence suggests reducing or capping parking pays off. In cities that have implemented these measures, driving has declined and public transport use has increased.
The redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium has been full of controversy with a massive public backlash to the development.
The development has been subject to a lot of public debate with questions as to why the NSW Government are demolishing a functioning stadium instead of upgrading the stadium at a fraction of the cost.
The University of Newcastle has recently submitted a seven building masterplan to the NSW Government for their new education precinct for Honeysuckle in Newcastle.
Outlook Planning and Development were engaged by a group of concerned residents in regards to a nearby development that sought consent to demolish an existing (abandoned) service station to a boutique hotel with 58 guest rooms, car lift and guest facilities.
A change of land zoning proposed by Lake Macquarie council would open the door for medium-density housing in a large part of Windale.
Granny flats, or secondary dwellings as they are known as in the Planning world, can allow home owners to keep parents or adult children close by while giving them their own space. They can also be a great way to generate additional rental income.
Newcastle and the Hunter Valley has become a hot spot for developers as well as residents of Sydney looking for a tree change and a work life balance. There is so much development potential and lots of great properties within the area for a fraction of the price of Sydney.
We look at the five things to consider before buying a block of land! Is it better to buy established or purchase a vacant lot and building?
We provide a list of the various documents required for a development application and provide a list of the relevant consultants that we have worked with for development applications.
We look at the processing time for statement of environmental effects and the process we take!
Boarding Houses
Complying Development Audits
Dual Occupancies
Development Objection Letters
Development Applications
Development Feasibility Report
Pre Purchase Planning Reports
Rezoning Applications
Heritage Impact Statements
Statement of Environmental Effects
Rural Dwelling Applications
Clause 4.6 Reports
Waste Management Plans
Safer By Design Assessments
Change of Use Applications
Sydney Areas
Town Planning – Campbelltown
Town Planning – Eastern Suburbs
Town Planning – Central Coast
Town Planning – Hornsby
Town Planning – Ku-ring-gai
Town Planning – Inner West
Town Planning – Northern Beaches
Town Planning – North Shore
Town Planning – Northern Suburbs
Town Planning – Parramatta
Town Planning – Southern Suburbs
Town Planning – South West
Town Planning – Sydney
Town Planning – Western Suburbs
Town Planning – Wollongong
Newcastle – Hunter Valley
Town Planning – Newcastle
Town Planning – Maitland
Town Planning – Cessnock
Town Planning – Singleton
Town Planning – Dungog
Town Planning – Lake Macquarie
Town Planning – Port Stephens
Regional NSW
Town Planning –Mid North Coast
Town Planning – Ballina
Town Planning – Byron Bay
Town Planning – Wagga Wagga
Town Planning – Tweed
Town Planning – Dubbo
Town Planning – Parkes
Town Planning – Armidale
Town Planning – Tamworth
Town Planning – Coffs Harbour
Town Planning – Snowy Mountains
Town Planning – Yass
Sydney Areas
Development Application – Campbelltown
Development Application – Eastern Suburbs
Development Application – Central Coast
Development Application – Hornsby
Development Application – Ku-ring-gai
Development Application – Inner West
Development Application – Northern Beaches
Development Application – North Shore
Development Application – Northern Suburbs
Development Application – Parramatta
Development Application – Southern Suburbs
Development Application – South West
Development Application – Sydney
Development Application – Western Suburbs
Development Application – Wollongong
Newcastle – Hunter Valley
Development Application – Newcastle
Development Application – Maitland
Development Application – Cessnock
Development Application – Singleton
Development Application – Dungog
Development Application – Lake Macquarie
Development Application – Port Stephens
Regional NSW
Development Application –Mid North Coast
Development Application – Ballina
Development Application – Byron Bay
Development Application – Wagga Wagga
Development Application – Tweed
Development Application – Dubbo
Development Application – Parkes
Development Application – Armidale
Development Application – Tamworth
Development Application – Coffs Harbour
Development Application – Snowy Mountains
Development Application – Yass
Sydney Areas
DA Objection – Campbelltown
DA Objection – Eastern Suburbs
DA Objection – Central Coast
DA Objection – Hornsby
DA Objection – Ku-ring-gai
DA Objection – Inner West
DA Objection – Northern Beaches
DA Objection – North Shore
DA Objection – Northern Suburbs
DA Objection – Parramatta
DA Objection – Southern Suburbs
DA Objection – South West
DA Objection – Sydney
DA Objection – Western Suburbs
DA Objection – Wollongong
Newcastle – Hunter Valley
DA Objection – Newcastle
DA Objection – Maitland
DA Objection – Cessnock
DA Objection – Singleton
DA Objection – Dungog
DA Objection – Lake Macquarie
DA Objection – Port Stephens
Regional NSW
DA Objection –Mid North Coast
DA Objection – Ballina
DA Objection – Byron Bay
DA Objection – Wagga Wagga
DA Objection – Tweed
DA Objection – Dubbo
DA Objection – Parkes
DA Objection – Armidale
DA Objection – Tamworth
DA Objection – Coffs Harbour
DA Objection – Snowy Mountains
DA Objection – Yass
Copyright © 2022 – Outlook Planning and Development